Saudi Arabia has introduced several measures to improve the travel experience for Indian pilgrims participating in Hajj or Umrah, including visa issuance within 48 hours, a 96-hour stopover visa, and a 90-day Umrah visa.
The number of Umrah pilgrims from India surpassed 1.2 million in 2023, recording a 74 percent increase in comparison with 2022. Notably, the visa issuance process has been expedited to provide approvals within 48 hours. Saudi Arabia has also introduced a 96-hour stopover visa, offering greater flexibility for travellers. Additionally, Indian citizens are now permitted to undertake Umrah on business, tourist, or Umrah visas, providing more options for those embarking on this sacred journey.
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Saudi Arabia’s new initiatives for Umrah pilgrims
The new Umrah visa facility enables tourists to easily visit any Saudi Arabian city or conduct the Umrah. According to the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq bin Fawzan, this visa will be valid for travel as well as residency for 90 days, aligning with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030, dedicated to promoting ease in religious travels as well as fostering appreciation and understanding of the country and Saudi culture.
V. Muraleedharan, the Minister of State for External Affairs, addressed a news conference alongside Smriti Irani, the Minister of Minority Affairs, acknowledging Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing the Umrah and Hajj experience for Muslims across the world.
“Indians travelling to the West or the Middle East can obtain a stopover visa, valid for 96 hours, seamlessly integrated into the ticket issuance process. This allows them to perform Umrah and visit any city in the Kingdom,” he explained.
(Feature image credit: ishan@seeyoufromthesky/Unsplash)
Related: Indian Travellers Are A Priority For Saudi Arabia — Here’s Why
